Martinez believes Eto'o can help Lukaku become a clinical finisher in crucial games
Blues boss reckons his latest capture has the experience to clinch vital moments in games against top clubs
Everton FC new signing Samuel Eto'o is paraded at Finch Farm in front of the media. Pictured with Manager Roberto Martinez as well.
Roberto Martinez insists Samuel Eto’o can help mould Romelu Luakaku into a big game poacher like him.
The Everton FC manager reckons his latest capture, who is hoping to be involved against former club Chelsea at Goodison tomorrow afternoon, has the experience to clinch vital moments in games against the top clubs.
And Martinez believes Eto’o’s calmness will rub off on fellow summer signing from Chelsea Romelu Lukaku, another who wants to prove a point against Jose Mournho’s men tomorrow.
He said: “It’s about how to control big moments as a striker where you don’t get involved and you keep your cool and concentration.
“You might get one chance and the team relies on you to take that chance. We’ll benefit from that and so will Rom.
“At the same time Sam will also benefit from having that mutual relationship with Rom. All our number nines are different but they will benefit from working together.”
Leicester City vs Everton at the King Power Stadium in the FA Premier League. Romelu Lukaku back in an Everton shirt.
Everton’s other attacking Belgian, Kevin Mirallas, is equally upbeat about the arrival of former Barcelona and Inter striker Eto’o.
“An impressive squad and a wider range of players can only help us compete in the Premier League and help us stay at the top of it where we belong,” he said.
“Our objective as a club is to continue to progress and stay among the best teams in the Premier League. We’re spending more and attracting a higher calibre of player perhaps. That shows the evolution of the team and the ambition we have.”
Mirallas was ushered straight back into the starting line-up against Arsenal last weekend, at the expense of the unlucky Aiden McGeady who had been in good form.
But now in his third season at Goodison, the 26-year-old is increasingly regarded as a key man by Martinez, and in turn the forward says he is ready to embrace a more senior role this term.
And he believes the best way to do it is also to contribute to big games, like today’s showdown with the Stamford Bridge outfit.
“I feel very happy here, very much at home,” said Mirallas.
“I feel good in myself.
“It’s my third season here and my main ambition this year is to score more goals and take a more decisive role in matches, continuing from the season’s start to finish.
“For me, given the injuries we have, I feel I have to take the team under my wing and to help us in that sense. There’s a lot of responsibility on me to steer the attacks and I hope this will show our resilience even more.”
Everton will be without the injured Steven Pienaar and ineligible winger Christian Atsu for the visit of Chelsea, while Bryan Oviedo, Arouna Kone and Ross Barkley (both knee) are also out.
“I feel like I am playing better and better as time goes on and, despite the number of absentees, with increased effort from players like myself, we’ll be able to show we can get by and have a great match this weekend,” added Mirallas.
“I do like the big matches and this is certainly one of them.”
Source: Echo
